Hit and run victim in stable condition

WILLIAMSBURG – A 24-year-old South Dundas woman is staring down a long road to recovery after being struck by a hit and run driver on Shannette Road Sun., Jan. 7.

Ashley Cole was standing at the edge of a driveway, near the road, when she was struck by a small, black four-door vehicle.

Her boyfriend, Brent Merkley, was not far behind and witnessed the incident. He and his parents rushed to the girl’s side, while Merkley tried to run after the departing vehicle.

Twenty-four-year-old Ashley Cole was struck by a hit and run driver on Shannette Road near Williamsburg Sun., Jan. 7. She’s currently in an Ottawa hospital ahead of multiple surgeries and a lengthy rehabilitation. Area OPP are currently investigating the case, and looking for the involved driver. Courtesy photo

According to Cole’s sister, Melissa, the victim was thrown about 75 feet, and rolled along the ground into a pile of snow.

Cole was initially rushed to Winchester District Memorial Hospital, before being transferred to the Ottawa Hospital’s Civic Campus. She remains in critical, but stable conditions, though will require several surgeries going forward, as well as long-term rehabilitation.

Melissa said her sister has fractures in her left ankle and hip, lower spine, and left-side ribs. On top of that, Cole has facial bruising, as well as various other bruises from the impact of the car hitting her.

“She will have long-term pain, and will need to learn how to walk,” Melissa said. “But, with physiotherapy, she will make a great recovery.”

Cole will be monitored at the Civic Campus throughout the coming weeks, before be ing returned to the Winchester hospital until she is stable enough to return home.

Melissa has also launched an online GoFundMe campaign, looking to generate $1,000 to help with expense of trips to and from the city hospital to be at her sister’s side during Cole’s lengthy recovery.

Stormont, Dundas, and Glengarry OPP Const. Tylor Copeland, meanwhile, told the Winchester Press the force is currently investigating the incident.